The Clausular Rosary | Explained

What is the Clausular Rosary?

In the fifteenth century, Dominic of Prussia, a Carthusian monk, began adding a short clause after the name of Jesus in each Hail Mary — a phrase tied directly to the mystery he was praying.

For example, in the First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection — you would add: “Jesus — who was raised from the dead…”

Nothing else changes. The structure remains the same. But that small addition anchors the decade firmly in the mystery.

Centuries later, this practice was encouraged by Pope Paul VI (Marialis Cultus, 46), reaffirmed by Pope John Paul II (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 33), and recommended in the 2001 Directory on Popular Piety (201).

This simple enrichment of the Rosary is known as the Clausular Rosary.

Why Pray the Clausular Rosary?

1. It makes you intentional. You can’t say a Hail Mary on autopilot anymore. The added phrase forces you to think about the mystery. Each bead becomes a deliberate reminder of the mystery.

2. It slows you down. The meditative clause naturally changes the rhythm of the prayer, creating a contemplative pause that allows you to linger on the mystery.

3. It restores the purpose of the Rosary. The Rosary is meant to be a meditative prayer on the mysteries of Christ’s life with Mary as your guide. Because the phrase is placed at the name of Jesus, it keeps your focus on Him — exactly where Mary always points.

Examples for All 20 Mysteries

Here are a few examples to begin with. Feel free to create your own — and share them with me if you do.

Joyful Mysteries

1. Annunciation: Jesus — who was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
2. Visitation: Jesus — who sanctified John in the womb (or Jesus — who visited Elizabeth and John).
3. Nativity: Jesus — who was born in Bethlehem (or Jesus — who was born to rescue us).
4. Presentation: Jesus — who was presented in the temple (or Jesus — the Light of the nations).
5. Finding in the Temple: Jesus — who was found in the temple.

Luminous Mysteries

1. Baptism in the Jordan: Jesus — who was baptized in the Jordan (or Jesus — the Beloved Son of the Father).
2. Wedding at Cana: Jesus — who changed water into wine.
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom: Jesus — who calls us to conversion (or Jesus — who proclaimed the Kingdom).
4. Transfiguration: Jesus — revealed in glory on Mount Tabor (or Jesus — who was transfigured for us).
5. Institution of the Eucharist: Jesus — who gives us His Body and Blood (or Jesus — who gives us the new manna).

Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the Garden: Jesus — who suffered in the garden for our sins (or Jesus — who said: not my will, but Yours).
2. Scourging at the Pillar: Jesus — who was scourged for our sins (or Jesus — wounded for our sins).
3. Crowning with Thorns: Jesus — who was crowned with thorns (or Jesus — our mocked and suffering King).
4. Carrying of the Cross: Jesus — who carried His Cross for us (or Jesus — who teaches us to carry our cross).
5. Crucifixion: Jesus — who gave His life for us (or Jesus — who died for us).

Glorious Mysteries

1. Resurrection: Jesus — who rose from the dead (or Jesus — who triumphed over death).
2. Ascension: Jesus — who ascended into heaven (or Jesus — who prepares a place for us).
3. Pentecost: Jesus — who sends the Holy Spirit (or Jesus — who poured forth the Holy Spirit).
4. Assumption: Jesus — who assumed you into heaven (or Jesus — who raises us to eternal glory).
5. Coronation of Mary: Jesus — who crowned you Queen (or Jesus — who crowns His Mother Queen of Heaven).

Final Word

St. John Paul II said: “The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer” (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 1). Adding these clauses to each mystery help us to live that truth more fully.

If you try the Clausular Rosary or create your own clauses, I’d love to hear from you — feel free to reach out. God bless!